Biggest Museum in the World, List of Top-10

The allure of travel lies in cultural intrigue and the promise of ‘something different.’ The hunger for discovery, a desire to immerse oneself in history and an appreciation for the arts draw countless people to explore the biggest museum in the world. These institutions offer an unparalleled journey through the millennia of Earth’s existence, housing an immense wealth of art, historical items and stories. Many of these museums have roots dating back to the 1800s, offering visitors a rich and diverse depth of exhibitions. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the ten biggest museums in the world, ranked by the area they cover.

List of Top-10 Biggest Museums in the World

Louvre Museum is the biggest museum in the world and one of Paris’ most famous tourist attractions which covers an area of 782,910 sq. feet (72,735 sq. meters).

Here is the list of top-10 biggest museums in the world:

Biggest Museums in the World
S. No.	Name of the Museum	Area (in sq. feet)	Location
1.	The Louvre Museum	782,910	France
2.	State Hermitage Museum	719,480	Russia
3.	Madras Museum	710,418	India
4.	National Museum of China	700,000	China
5.	Metropolitan Museum of Art	633,100	United States
6.	Vatican Museums	460,000	Vatican City
7.	Tokyo National Museum	410,000	Japan
8.	National Museum of Anthropology	360,000	Mexico
9.	Victoria and Albert Museum	330,000	United Kingdom
10.	National Museum of Korea	291,600	South Korea

Biggest Museum in the World – The Louvre Museum

Area: 782,910 sq. feet (72,735 sq. m)

Country: France

The Louvre, the world’s largest museum, spans 782,910 sq. feet, equivalent to 280 tennis courts. Located in Paris, France, it is a top tourist destination, drawing 10.2 million visitors in 2018. Originally a medieval fortress, the Louvre now houses a diverse collection, from Egyptian antiquities to the iconic Mona Lisa, making it a historical monument and an art lover’s paradise. You can explore its treasures from the comfort of your home through the book “The Louvre: All the Paintings,” endorsed by the museum itself, featuring all 3022 paintings on display with their stories.

Second Biggest Museum in the World – State Heritage Museum

Area: 719,480 sq. feet (66,842 sq. m)

Country: Russia

Saint Peterburg’s State Hermitage Museum, the world’s second-largest, originated as Empress Catherine the Great’s royal project in the mid-1700s. With a collection of three million items, it spans six historic buildings, showcasing prehistoric artifacts, Egyptian treasures, Classical Antiquities, Greek-revival art and grand exhibitions of European and Russian fine art.

Third Biggest Museum in the World – Madras Museum

Area: 710,418 sq. feet (66,000 sq. m)

Country: India

The 1851 museum complex, with its striking architecture and Madras Museum Theatre, is built on the site of a British Pantheon. It features 46 galleries spread over 66,000 sq. meters, hosting cultural performances and housing a diverse collection, from Roman artifacts to Buddhists sculptures, Hindu artifacts and Chola bronze masterpiece like Ardhanarishvara and Nataraja.

National Museum of China

Area: 700,000 sq. feet

Country: China

The National Museum of China, formed by merging two entities in 2003, ranks as the world’s second-most visited museum. With a clean design and expanded space, it showcases an impressive collection spanning almost 2 million years of history, from ancient artifacts to recent Chinese history.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Area: 633,100 sq. feet

Country: United States

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as “the Met,” is a renowned institution with over 2 million works of art. It houses a diverse range of collections, from classical and ancient Egyptian art to European paintings, indigenous Australian rock paintings, musical instruments, period costumes and antique weaponry, making it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.

Vatican Museum

Area: 460,000 sq. feet

Country: Vatican City

Established in 1506, the Vatican Museums hold a rich collection of 70,000 Christian art pieces, including masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and works by Raphel, da Vinci and Caravaggio. Modern artists have their own gallery and there is a unique Vatican Historical Museum featuring portraits of Propes since the 16^th century, along with carriages and vehicles used by Popes and Cardinals.

Tokyo National Museum

Area: 410,000 sq. feet

Country: Japan

The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, Japan’s largest art Museum, houses 110,000 artifacts, including 87 National Treasures. Its themed galleries span Asian art, ancient and medieval cultures and the Silk Road. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining, shops and outdoor exhibitions.

National Museum of Anthropology

Area: 360,000

Country: Mexico

Mexico’s national museum, a vast 79,700 sq. meters building designed by Vazquez, Campuzano and Alcerreca in 1964, is a repository of anthropological artifacts dating back to pre-Columbian times. It houses a controversial yet extensive collection, including the famous Aztec Sunstone, Olmec stone heads, Mayan treasures and more, organized in 23 exhibit halls covering various pre-Columbian civilizations.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Area: 330,000 sq. feet

Country: United Kingdom

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, known as the V&A, boasts a vast collection with 2.27 million objects, spanning 5,000 years of art history. It features global art in various forms, including ceramics, textiles and sculptures and is renowned for its Italian Renaissance holdings and East Asian galleries. The museum’s appeal lies in its diverse and extensive range of artifacts.

National Museum of Korea

Area: 291,600 sq. feet

Country: South Korea

The National Museum of Korea is a comprehensive institution solely dedicated to Korean culture and history. Its sleek building houses six permanent galleries, spanning from prehistory to modern times, with a focus on artifacts art and educational programs.

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